HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-26 Public Comment - M. McHugh - Comment to Commission regarding Consensus Process Report from FacilitatorFrom:Mary Frances McHugh
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Mary Frances McHugh
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comment to Commission regarding Consensus Process Report from Facilitator Diane Groves datedMay, 2026 [City of Bozeman - Fowler Neighborhood Engagement Phase II – Middle Income Homeownership, May2026, Bozeman MT, Prepared by Facilitator D...
Date:Monday, July 20, 2026 11:28:30 AM
Attachments:7-18-26 Comment to Commission re Consensus Report.pdf
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Please provide the attached comment to the Commissioners for their consideration. Thank
you. Mary Frances McHugh (530)598-7383
Date: July 19, 2026
To: Mayor Joey Morrison, Deputy Mayor Fischer, Commissioners Madgic, Bode and Sweeney of the City of Bozeman Re: Comment to Commission regarding Consensus Process Report from Facilitator Diane Groves dated May, 2026 [City of Bozeman - Fowler Neighborhood Engagement Phase II – Middle Income Homeownership, May 2026, Bozeman MT, Prepared by Facilitator Diane Groves] From: Mary Frances McHugh, Owner in Harvest Creek Subdivision, Bozeman, MT
Two comments with regard the Report of Facilitator Diane Groves:
Thing One: There is a typographical error which bears correcting in order for this Report to be an
accurate record of proceedings. On page 13 in the Taxpayer and Financial Costs in the section “If We
Do Not Work Collaboratively”, I recommend a correction be requested of Ms. Groves striking “four-cell”
and inserting “for sale” (see below):
Taxpayer and Financial Costs
• A lawsuit costs City taxpayers millions.
• A financial burden on owners of the four-cell homes due to improper disclosure.
• Waste of tax dollars by building something that does not fit the intended scope or purpose.
• Too much expenditure of City funds for less gain.
• A money sink for everyone.
I think this will aid in avoiding future ambiguities.
Thing Two: In the section entitled “The Advice We Have for Fostering Collaboration and Next Steps”,
beginning on page 18, it should be noted that concrete suggestions have been made which can be
implemented. It is suggested there be “Commitments from the City of parking, safety, density, green
space, and neighborhood access points”. Earlier in the Report, on page 13, it is noted under
“Development Falls Into the Wrong Hands” a worry that there could be a development that “does not work
for anyone”.
Right now, the City can respond positively to these concerns by encumbering the Fowler Neighborhood
Project parcel with a recorded declaration of covenants as suggested in the Harvest Creek Owners’
Association Position Paper dated March 11, 2026, which has been provided to you. Such an action would
show the community the City is committed to addressing these issues and would allay fears which have
been compounded by the recent zoning decision on the Emil Anderson parcel.
While it is appreciated that the City says it will not seek to develop 4 or 5 story structures, there is nothing
to prevent a change of heart or a sale of the land to another entity. In the absence of a covenant directing
the future use of the land and binding the City or another developer, we all know that the zoning on the
Anderson parcel will control any future zoning on this parcel. That includes the prospect of 4 or 5 story
buildings up to the rear yard setback for R-B Residential Mixed Use Low Medium zone: 10 feet from the
property line on the western boundary of the Harvest Creek subdivision. (see attachment 1, Bozeman
Municipal Code Section 38.210.030 – R-B [Residential Mixed Use-B]).
This comment is presented to you on my behalf only; I do not make any comments on behalf of any other
person or entity.
Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Attachment 1.